Manifest Destiny

Coined in the 1840s by the Jacksonian Democrats, was the belief that the United States was "destined" to spread from the Atlantic seaboard to the Pacific Ocean. Used to promote the annexation of most of the Western United States (Oregon Territory, Texas Annexation, and the Mexican Cessation). Always regarded as a general notion rather than a specific policy.

Louisiana Purchase

1803. Originally, was a meeting to discuss the purchase of the city of New Orleans as means of a port. Napolean was on the verge of war with England over previous treaty agreement, and had to forego plans of a vast colony in North America. Sold 828,000 sqaure miles at the cost of $15 million. Doubled the size of the United States at the time, and represents 23% of the current size of the country.

Texas Annexation

1845. Originally refused in 1837, as the U.S. Government believed that the annexation would lead to war with Mexico. Texas remained a sovereign nation. Annexed via a joint resolution through Congress, supported by President-elect Polk, and approved in 1845. Land from the Republic of Texas later bacame parts of NM, CO, OK, KS, and WY.

Imperialism

Panic of 1893

Serious economic depression beginning in 1893. Began due to rail road companies over-extending themselves, causing bank failures. Was the worst economic collapse in the history of the country until that point, and, some say, as bad as the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Acquisition of Hawaii

Became Territory of Hawaii in 1898. Group of Europeans and Americans forced King to sign "Bayonet Constitution", stripping the king of administrative authority. Run as a republic from 1894 until annexation.

Spanish-American War

1898. Fought between Spain and the U.S. The U.S. forced Spain to peacefully resolve the Cuban fight for independence. Sent the USS Maine as a sign of national interest. USS Maine exploded, and through "yellow journalism", tensions were raised and war was declared. Decisive naval victories in Cuba and the Philippines brought about the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The U.S. was awarded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

U.S. involvement in WWI

Originally vowed isolationism, and tried to bring peace. Germany made deal with Mexico to ally their countries if U.S. entered war. Germany sank 7 U.S. merchant ships in a violation of international law. U.S. declares war and sends munitions and soldiers.

Isolationism

Alfred Thayer Mahan

1840-1914. US Navy officer, geostrategist, and educator. Influenced navies worldwide on the importance of building a strong navy. Author of "The Influence of Seapower Upon History, 1660-1783" in 1890. Taught at Naval War College, and was twice President of College.

Woodrow Wilson

Franklin D. Roosevelt

1882-1945. 32nd President. Renounced right of U.S. to intervene in Latin America. Felt America should be "Arsenal of Peace" at onset of WWII. Was "anti-imperialist" and sought to end European colonialism. Gave "Infamy Speech" and declared war on Japan in 1941.

Henry Kissinger

b. 1923. Awarded 1973 Nobel Peace Prize for helping to end Vietnam War and withdrawing American forces. Heavily involved in South American politics as National Security Advisor and Secretary of State. Condoned covert tactics to prevent communism and facism from spreading throughout South America.

Korean War

Sputnik I

Launched in 1957. Followed two spectacular failures of U.S. satelite launches. Launched "Space Race". U.S. would go on to create NASA, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and increase U.S. government spending on scientific research and education.

Vietnam War

1956-1975. Armed conflict between Communist-supported Democratic Republic Of Vietnam (NV) and US-supported Republic of Vietnam. Failure of U.S. foreign policy and the fall of Saigon in 1975 ended the war.

Marshall Plan

Four-year plan beginning in 1947 for the U.S. for rebuilding and creating a stronger foundation for the allied countried of Europe, and repelling communism after WWII. Named after Secretary of State George Marshall.

McCarthyism

Cuban Missile Crisis

Confrontation between the United States, Soviet Union, and Cuba ending in October 1962. Ended in agreement for Soviets to dismantle weapons in Cuba in exchange for no invasion and the secret removal of missles from Turkey. Regarded as the moment that the Cold War almost came to nuclear war, and as one of the major confrontations of the Cold War.